Abstract:

Apple growing was introduced in Kigezi highlands to eradicate rural poverty by transforming
subsistence farming into commercial agro-enterprise of high value crops. The initiative was
supported by the government of Uganda for improving household incomes among communities
in south Western Uganda. Studies have showed a high potential of the Kigezi region to produce
deciduous fruits. However, the yield potential of the introduced apple cultivars has never been
realized with some farmers having variations in yields from similar pieces of land. This disparity
in yield elicited a
South western Uganda. The
practices for optimal apple
different apple cultivars in
lot of concern which necessitated research to maximize yield among farmers in
aim of the study was therefore to improve orchard management
yield. This study was conducted to assess the performance of
relation to orchard location, compare yield with management
practises and identify challenges facing apple fruit growers in Kigezi region.
The study was conducted in Kigezi region with the largest number of apple orchards in Uganda
dating back over 10 years. A cross sectional survey of farmers’ orchards and station orchards
was used. A total of 54 farmers and 3 on-station orchards were selected. From these orchards, 20
apple trees per farmer or station were randomly selected. Results showed that higher yields were
generally realized when farmers planted apples on the slopes compared to other sites.
Furthermore, yields were higher when farmers used 30% pruning, growth facilitation, defoliation
at 10 days, bending and staking after I year and practising fruit thinning. These results call for
measures and policies for more agricultural extension service provision that will enhance good
management practises for better yields in apples.